What can the neurosurgeon offer in peripheral neuropathic pain?

Acta Neurochir Suppl (Wien). 1993:58:136-40. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7091-9297-9_31.

Abstract

Neurosurgery has much to offer in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain but selection of the best procedure for a given patient remains problematic: planning of the treatment must be based on an analysis of the pathophysiological mechanism in the given case but the identification of this mechanism is often difficult. Available procedures are: 1) Nerve repair, neurolysis and nerve relocation; 2) Interventions on the sympathetic nervous system; 3) Neurostimulation; 4) Intraspinal morphine; 5) Ablative lesions. Neurosurgeons have, or should have, the necessary neuroscience background and microsurgical skills to be important partners of the team caring for patients with peripheral neuropathic pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Narcotics / administration & dosage
  • Narcotics / therapeutic use
  • Nerve Block / methods
  • Nerve Fibers
  • Nerve Regeneration
  • Neurosurgery
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / surgery
  • Pain Management
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiopathology*
  • Peripheral Nerves / surgery
  • Rats

Substances

  • Narcotics